University of Texas-Pan American Environmental Protection Program Regulated Waste Disposal Revised 2010

University of Texas-Pan American Environmental Protection Program Regulated Waste Disposal Revised 2010

Table of Contents A. Introduction 3 B. Emergency Procedures 1. Emergency Telephone Numbers 4 2. Emergency Procedures for Chemical Accidents 5 3. Emergency Procedures for Biological Accidents 6 4. Emergency Procedures for Radiation Accidents 7 C. Responsibilities 1. Department of Environmental Health and Safety 8 2. University Faculty and Staff D. Definitions 9 E. Chemical Waste Disposal 1. Chemical Waste Containers 10 2. Container Labeling 10 3. Accumulation of Chemical Waste 11 4. Submitting Requests for Disposal of Chemical Waste to the DEHS 11 F. Biological Waste Disposal 1. Collection Containers 12 2. Accumulation of Biological Waste 12 3. Submitting Requests for Disposal of Biological Waste to the DEHS 12 G. Radiological Waste Disposal 1. Decay in Storage 13 2. Release into Sanitary Sewer 13 3. Transfer to an Authorized Recipient 13 4. Disposal Procedures 13 H. Miscellaneous Waste Disposal 14 2

A. Introduction This manual has been developed to give employees at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) a better understanding of the UTPA Waste Disposal Program. Topics covered within the Program include proper labeling, storage, segregation, and disposal requests to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. This document covers the disposal of chemical, biological (medical), radiological, and other miscellaneous wastes. The University is a generator of hazardous waste and must comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The UTPA Waste Disposal Program is administered by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Individual departments are responsible for determining what waste(s) they generate and follow all University procedures. If there are any questions about the UTPA Environmental Protection Program, please contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. 3

B. Emergency Procedures 1. Emergency Telephone Numbers University of Texas-Pan American Police Department 911 or 665-7151 Radiation Safety Officer Dr. Richard Costello 665-3690 Environmental Health and Safety Department 665-3690 Poison Control Center 1-800-POISON-1 In the Event of: Chemical Spill 911 or 665-3690 Radioactive Spill 911 or 665-3690 Information that will be needed: 1. Your name 2. Your location (room and building) 3. The phone number you are using 4. Describe the nature of the emergency Stay Calm. 4

2. Emergency Procedures for Chemical Accidents Attend to any person(s) who may have been contaminated and/or injured if it is safe to reach them. Use safety showers and eyewashes as appropriate. In the case of eye contact, promptly flush eyes with water for a minimum 15-minute period and seek medical attention immediately. For ingestion cases, contact the Poison Center at 1-800-POISON-1. In case of skin contact, promptly flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry. If symptoms persist after washing, seek medical attention. A. Major Chemical Spills: 1. Notify persons in the immediate area about the spill, evacuating all non-essential personnel from the spill area and adjoining areas that may be impacted by vapors or a potential fire. 2. If the spilled material is flammable, turn off all potential ignition sources. Avoid breathing vapors of the spilled materials. Be aware that some materials have no odors or create olfactory fatigue, so that you stop smelling the odor very quickly. 3. Leave on or establish exhaust ventilation if it is safe to do so. Close doors to slow the spread of odors. 4. Call 911 and/or 665-3690. B. Minor Chemical Spills: 1. If appropriately trained, use the proper spill control kit to control material spilled. 2. If the spill is minor and of known limited danger, clean up immediately. Determine the appropriate cleaning method by referring to the MSDS. During cleanup, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE required will depend upon the material spilled, the amount, and the airborne concentration. At a minimum, chemical resistant gloves and goggles should be worn. 3. Cover liquid spills with compatible absorbent material such as spill pillows or a kitty litter/vermiculite mix. Be sure to check compatibility. Powdered materials should be covered with wet paper towels (if compatible) to avoid dispersal. If appropriate materials are available, corrosives should be neutralized prior to absorption. Clean spills from the outer areas first, cleaning towards the center. 4. Place the spilled material into an impervious container, seal, and contact DEHS for disposal. 5. If appropriate, wash the affected surface with soap and water. Mop up the residues and collect for disposal. 6. A solvent, e.g. xylene, may be necessary to clean surfaces contaminated with a nonwater soluble chemical. Be sure to check the solubility of the spilled material and use the least toxic effective solvent available. Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment. NOTE: Assistance in assembling chemical spill control kits is available from the DEHS. 5

3. Emergency Procedures for Biological Accidents A. Do not take any action unless you have been trained to respond, except to summon assistance. B. Attend to anyone who may have been contaminated and/or injured if it is safe to do so. Use safety showers and eyewashes as appropriate. Call the UTPA Police Department at 911 (from a campus telephone) for assistance with injured, in case of fire, or for performing rescues. Describe the nature and the extent of the emergency. Be as specific and detailed as possible. C. If the room is equipped with ultraviolet lights, turn them on. D. Notify persons in the immediate area about the spill. Evacuate non-essential personnel from the spill area. E. Leave the laboratory and close all doors to prevent re-entry. F. Notify the DEHS. G. If your clothing is contaminated, remove it and place it in a properly labeled impervious container. Avoid close contact with other people to prevent additional exposures. Take a shower. H. For a spill in a biological safety cabinet/hood: clean immediately, keep the cabinet/hood running, and use a chemical disinfectant such as bleach or alcohol and paper towels. Place contaminated paper towels in a biohazardous box for disposal. 6

4. Emergency Procedures for Radiation Accidents 1. Minor Radiation Spills Minor spills can generally be considered as those that contaminate small areas of laboratory surfaces or equipment, but do not result in contamination of personnel, excessive external exposure to personnel, or internal contamination of personnel. A. Notify all persons in the area that a spill has occurred, B. Cover the spill with absorbent paper or pad, C. Using disposable gloves and remote handling tongs, carefully fold the absorbent paper or pad, insert in a plastic bag. D. In another plastic bag insert all other materials that have been contaminated, i.e.: disposable gloves. E. Report the incident to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The RSO will arrange for disposal of contaminated articles. The RSO will also conduct monitoring of the spill area, your person, and clothing for contamination. Decontamination will occur as necessary. 2. Major Radiation Spills Major spills can generally be considered as those that contaminate large surface areas, contaminate personnel, provide excessive external exposure to personnel, or internally contaminate personnel. A. Notify all persons not involved in the spill to vacate the room. B. Cover the spill with absorbent paper or pad. Do not attempt to clean up the spill. C. Prevent potentially contaminated personnel from leaving the room. Prevent personnel from entering the area. D. If possible, the area should be shielded, but only if it can be done without further contamination or without increasing your radiation exposure. E. Notify the RSO and the Authorized User. F. The RSO will conduct sampling to determine the level of decontamination necessary. 7

C. Responsibilities 1. Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) Administer the University of Texas- Pan American Environmental Protection Program (UTPA EPP). Ensure all federal, state, and local regulations are followed. Assist university faculty and staff in all aspects of the UTPA WDP. Evaluate the program as often as necessary. 2. University Faculty and Staff Adhere to all requirements of the UTPA EPP. Properly label, store, and dispose of all waste generated in your area. 8

D. Definitions 1. Biological (Medical) waste any solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals. This includes items such as discarded surgical gloves, used needles, blood soaked bandages, inoculation cultures, any items used during dissections, and lancets. 2. Disposal - the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, or placing of any solid waste or hazardous waste (whether containerized or non-containerized) into or on any land or water so that such solid waste or any constituent thereof may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any water, including ground waters. 3. Generator - any person, by site, who produces municipal hazardous waste or industrial solid waste; any person who possesses municipal hazardous waste or industrial solid waste to be shipped to any other person; or any person whose act first causes the solid waste to become subject to regulation. As a generator of hazardous waste, the University is responsible for the waste from "cradle-to-grave" or from the generation of - to the final authorized disposal of the waste. 4. Hazardous waste - any solid waste, or combination of solid waste, material listed or identified in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 261, Subpart C and D, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical chemical or infectious characteristics may: (a) cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness, (b) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of or otherwise managed; or (c) exhibiting the characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or E.P. toxicity, also defined in Part 261. 5. Radioactive waste any discarded or unwanted radioactive material, unless exempted by agency rule or any radioactive material that would require processing before it could be put to a beneficial reuse. 6. Recyclable materials any waste or unwanted material that is capable of reuse. This includes plastics, aluminum cans, paper, spent toner cartridges, and florescent light bulbs. 7. Storage - the holding of any waste for a temporary period, at the end of which the waste is processed, disposed of, recycled, or stored elsewhere. 8. Waste - any rejected, unused or residue left from substances in liquid, gaseous, or solid form resulting from domestic, agriculture, municipal or industrial activities. 9

E. Chemical Waste Disposal The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulate chemical waste. Supervisors are responsible for advising their employees on how to handle all wastes generated during departmental operations. 1. Chemical Waste Containers Containers used for the accumulation of chemical waste must be in good condition, free of leaks, and compatible with the waste being stored in them. A waste accumulation container should be opened only when it is necessary to add waste, and should otherwise be capped. Chemical waste must not be placed in unwashed containers that previously held an incompatible material. If a container holding chemical waste is not in good condition or if it begins to leak transfer the waste from this container into a container that is in good condition, pack the container in a larger and non-leaking container, or manage the waste in some other way that prevents the potential for a release or contamination. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety if assistance is required. A storage container holding a chemical waste that is incompatible with any waste or other materials stored nearby, must be separated from the other materials or protected by means of a partition, wall, or other secondary containment. 2. Container Labeling All chemical waste containers must be properly labeled. Mark all containers with the words "waste" or "spent" and their contents indicated. Paint over or remove any old labels. Properly identify the container with completed waste tags before pickup is requested. Before chemical waste can be picked up by the DEHS, a waste tag is required. It should include at least the following information: Chemical name(s) Hazard class Point of contact Phone number Room number where stored 10

3. Accumulation of Chemical Waste A generator of chemical waste may accumulate up to a total of 55 gallons of waste, which may be determined to be hazardous by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS), or one quart of acutely hazardous waste at or near the point of generation. If a process will generate more than this volume at one time, the DEHS must be contacted in advance to arrange a special waste pick up. Chemical waste in excess of 55 gallons CANNOT be stored at your site for more than three days; therefore the DEHS requires advance notice of generation in order to determine if the waste meets the definition of hazardous and to arrange for prompt removal. Waste containers must be stored properly. Keep containers at or near (immediate vicinity) the site of generation and under control of the generator. Use containers that are compatible with the contents (i.e. acid should not be stored in metal cans). Keep the containers closed at all times except when actively receiving waste. Ensure the container is safe for transport with non-leaking screw-on caps. Fill containers to a safe level (not beyond the bottom of the neck of the container or a 2-inch head space for 55 gallon drums). Do not use red biohazard bags or sharps containers for chemical waste collection. 4. Submitting Requests to the DEHS When a chemical waste collection container is needed or a chemical waste container is ready for disposal and is properly tagged, the supervisor should contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety for prompt service. The contact information is as follows: waste@utpa.edu. Included in the request should be the name, date, building, room number, type of waste, number of containers, and if replacement containers are required. 11

F. Biological Waste Disposal 1. Collection Containers Biological waste may be used gloves, paper towels, scalpels, needles and syringes, or broken glassware. Each variety of waste must be collected in the appropriate container. That is, sharp objects must be placed in a puncture resistant container. There are three basic types of collection containers: biohazardous boxes, sharps containers, and 5-gallon open top plastic buckets. A. B. C. Biohazardous Boxes Biohazardous boxes are used for the collection of items identified as biohazardous such as used gloves and paper towels, agar, Petri dishes, vials and test tubes. Sharp items must NEVER be placed in a biohazardous box. Sharps Containers Needles, syringes, and scalpels should be placed in a sharps container. These containers are hard red plastic labeled with the universal biohazardous waste label. 5-gallon open top plastic buckets This type of collection container is most often used to collect broken glassware such as test tubes and petri dishes. These containers have a 5-gallon capacity and have a screw on lid with the universal biohazardous waste label. 2. Accumulation of Biological Waste Biological waste must be collected in the appropriate container. When the container is approximately ¾ full, the requesting person should close the container, label the container and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) should be contacted for a waste pick-up. 3. Submitting Requests to the DEHS When a biological waste collection container is needed or a biological waste container is ready for disposal, contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety for prompt service. 12

G. Radiological Waste Disposal Radioactive material may be released to the environment only under strictly controlled methods. Detailed records must be kept outlining the disposal method and the activity of the material at the time of disposal. It is the responsibility of the Authorized User (AU) to ensure the applicable regulations for disposal are met. Radioactive material must be disposed of in one of the following manners: 1. 2. 3. Decay in Storage For some materials with a short half-life, it may be practical to store the waste until it has undergone sufficient radioactive decay. At that time the waste may be treated as non-radioactive. Whenever possible, this method shall be used. Check with the RSO for more information. Release into Sanitary Sewer Radioactive material may be discharged into the sanitary sewer system provided the material is soluble or dispersible in water and the amount disposed does not exceed limits outlined in 25 TAC 289.202(gg). Check with the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for more information. Transfer to an Authorized Recipient Solid waste, such as contaminated gloves, small volumes of liquid in sealed containers, and diapers, may be placed in a steel drum. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) will pick up this type of waste after approval by the RSO. The waste must be in closed bags or containers. Each waste receptacle must be identified with a radioactive waste tag indicating the radionuclide, the approximate activity of the waste in microcuries (µci) or millicuries (mci), and the date. 4. Disposal Procedures To dispose of radioactive material using the above methods, you must follow these steps: Place the material in the appropriate container. Properly label each container. Contact the RSO. The RSO will determine the activity of the material and mark it on the container label. If appropriate, the RSO will contact the DEHS for assistance with storage and/or disposal. 13

H. Miscellaneous Waste Disposal Periodically, there are items to be disposed of that do not fall into any of the category of chemical, biological, or radiological waste. These items may include, among others, used toner cartridges, waste oil, kitchen grease, used tires, or empty compressed gas cylinders. Some materials can be recycled while others need to be disposed of properly. Contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (DEHS) for assistance. 14